2020 Tommaso Bussola - Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso Ca' del Laito
Colour : Red Producer : Tommaso Bussola Label Name : Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso Ca' del Laito Country : Italy Region : Veneto Sub Region : Valpolicella Variety : Proprietary Blend Vintage : 2020 Capacity : 750 ml - Standard Bottle Rating : James Suckling 94 Pts; Tasting Notes : Tommaso Bussola is one of the most respected producers in the Valpolicella Classico region of Veneto. Originally trained as a stonemason, Bussola joined his uncle Giuseppe's estate in the 1970s and gradually transformed it into one of Italy's benchmark wineries. While deeply respectful of Valpolicella traditions, he is known for meticulous vineyard management, severe grape selection and low yields, producing wines that combine concentration with freshness and elegance. The estate farms vineyards in the hills around Negrar, where limestone and volcanic soils, combined with excellent exposure, produce grapes of exceptional quality. Tommaso Bussola is particularly admired for elevating both Amarone and Ripasso wines to a level of finesse rarely seen in the appellation. Ca' del Laito is Bussola's premium Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso, produced by refermenting fresh Valpolicella wine on the skins remaining from Amarone production. This traditional Ripasso method adds richness, complexity and texture while preserving freshness. The 2020 vintage displays: Grape varieties: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and small amounts of indigenous varieties Medium to full-bodied Aromas of black cherry, plum, blackberry, dried herbs and sweet spices Silky tannins balanced by lively acidity Long finish with notes of cocoa, liquorice and savoury herbs The wine offers considerably more depth than a classic Valpolicella while remaining fresher and more approachable than Amarone. " Rich aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, dried herbs, cedar and baking spices. Full-bodied yet energetic, with polished tannins, vibrant acidity and a long, savoury finish that combines concentration with freshness." -- James Suckling Note: All images are for illustrative purposes only and may not be an exact representation of the product.